Dog grooming is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership, especially for certain breeds requiring regular and extensive grooming routines to maintain their coats and overall health. Some dog breeds have luxurious coats requiring specialized care, including regular bathing, trimming, brushing, and even professional grooming to keep them looking their best. These grooming requirements can come with hefty price tags due to the time, effort, and expertise involved. We’ll explore dog breeds that are considered some of the most expensive to groom, starting from the highest to the least expensive.
11. Afghan Hound
Known for its glamorous, flowing coat, the Afghan Hound is one of the most high-maintenance dogs in the grooming world. With long, silky fur that easily tangles and mats, Afghan Hounds require daily brushing to avoid knots and keep their coat in pristine condition. In addition to regular brushing, these dogs often need frequent baths and professional grooming, which can be expensive due to the time it takes to maintain their coats properly. Their grooming requirements can add up quickly, making the Afghan Hound one of the most expensive breeds to groom.
10. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
Poodles are famous for their curly, dense coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting. Whether you have a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, the grooming needs are similar, involving regular trimming and styling. Many Poodle owners opt for professional groomers to maintain the classic Poodle cut, which can be intricate and time-consuming. Poodles also require frequent brushing to keep their coats free from tangles and debris. Given their grooming needs, the cost of maintaining a Poodle’s coat can be quite high over the course of its life.
9. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small dog with a fluffy, cloud-like coat that needs constant care to keep it looking its best. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent the Bichon Frise’s coat from matting, and professional grooming sessions are often necessary to maintain its signature look. These dogs require frequent haircuts and regular baths to keep their coats clean and soft. The cost of grooming a Bichon Frise can add up due to the frequency of maintenance required, making this breed one of the more expensive to groom.
8. Komondor
The Komondor is instantly recognizable for its unique corded coat, which resembles thick dreadlocks. While their coat provides excellent protection and helps them blend in with livestock, they also require specialized grooming. The cords need to be separated regularly to prevent matting, and bathing a Komondor can be a lengthy process as their dense coat takes a long time to dry. Due to the complexity of grooming this breed, many owners seek professional help, which can be costly. The time and effort required to maintain a Komondor’s coat make it one of the most expensive breeds to groom.
7. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is known for its thick, shaggy coat, which requires extensive grooming to prevent mats and tangles. This breed’s coat grows continuously, meaning regular brushing and trimming are essential. Many owners opt for professional grooming due to the complexity of the coat, which can become difficult to manage without proper care. Regular baths and coat maintenance add to the overall grooming cost, making the Old English Sheepdog one of the pricier breeds to keep well-groomed.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, known for its curly or wavy coat, requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its appearance. This breed’s coat is hypoallergenic but dense, requiring frequent brushing and trimming. Many owners choose to have their Portuguese Water Dog professionally groomed to maintain its distinctive coat style. The cost of regular grooming can add up, especially if the dog is kept in a traditional cut, which requires expertise and precision. Their high grooming needs place the Portuguese Water Dog on the list of expensive breeds to maintain.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, with its long, flowing coat, is a breed that requires frequent grooming to keep its hair from becoming tangled and matted. Many Shih Tzu owners choose to keep their dog’s coat trimmed short to make grooming more manageable, but even a shorter coat requires regular maintenance. Professional grooming is often necessary to maintain a Shih Tzu coat, especially if kept in a full show coat. Regular baths, haircuts, and daily brushing make the Shih Tzu one of the more costly breeds to groom.
4. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is another small breed with a long, luxurious coat that requires frequent grooming. Their coats can quickly become tangled and matted without regular brushing and professional trimming. Many owners of Lhasa Apsos choose to keep their dog’s coat shorter for easier maintenance, but even this requires regular trips to the groomer. The cost of grooming a Lhasa Apso can be high due to the frequent grooming sessions needed to keep their coats looking their best.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their beautiful, silky coats that require regular care to keep them looking smooth and free from tangles. Their coat grows continuously, meaning frequent haircuts and grooming sessions are necessary. Cocker Spaniels also require regular ear cleaning, as their long, floppy ears can be prone to infections. Many Cocker Spaniel owners choose professional groomers to help maintain their dog’s coat, and the cost of regular grooming can quickly add up over time, making this breed one of the more expensive to maintain.
2. Briard
The Briard is a large, herding breed with a long, wavy coat that requires significant grooming. Their double coat can easily become tangled, and regular brushing is essential to keep their hair looking healthy and free from mats. Due to the length and density of their coats, Briards require regular baths and professional grooming to manage their fur. The grooming process can be time-consuming, making it expensive to maintain their coat in good condition. Owners of Briards often find themselves paying for regular grooming sessions, making this breed one of the costlier ones to care for.
1. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is known for its thick, double-layered coat that requires regular grooming to stay healthy and clean. Their long fur can quickly become tangled, making daily brushing a necessity. Tibetan Terriers also need regular baths to keep their coats free from debris and to prevent matting. Many owners opt for professional grooming to manage the upkeep of their dog’s coat, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. The combination of frequent brushing, bathing, and trimming makes the Tibetan Terrier one of the most expensive dog breeds to groom.
The Cost of Keeping Them Gorgeous
Owning one of these beautiful, high-maintenance breeds comes with a significant commitment to regular grooming. While the costs can be high, the rewards are worth it for those who appreciate the elegance and charm of these well-groomed dogs. Regular professional grooming, along with consistent at-home care, ensures that these breeds remain healthy, comfortable, and stunning. Though grooming may be expensive, it’s an essential part of maintaining the overall well-being of these breeds, proving that keeping them gorgeous is an investment in both their health and happiness.
Toledo, United States.
